Real Madrid News
Real Madrid will try to offload quartet in January – report
According to journalist Tomas Gonzalez Martin, Real Madrid will not make any new signings in the January transfer window. But they will make an attempt to get rid of as many as four players before the end of the month.
The four stars in question are Alvaro Odriozola, Jesus Vallejo, Mariano Diaz and Dani Ceballos.
Of the aforementioned four members of the Real Madrid squad, Odriozola has not played a single minute of competitive football this season. Carlo Ancelotti has Dani Carvajal and Lucas Vazquez ahead of the Spaniard as his preferred options at right-back.
Considering that he is completely out of favour and not part of the manager’s plans, it makes sense for Los Blancos to try and sell the full-back.
The same pretty much holds true for Vallejo as well, who has hardly been seen on the pitch this season. Indeed, the 25-year-old centre-back has played just 17 minutes of football across all competitions this term.
Vallejo is behind Eder Militao, David Alaba, Antonio Rudiger and Nacho in the pecking order. And even in case there are injuries, Ancelotti can call upon Rafa Marin from the Castilla squad. Thus parting ways with the 25-year-old ace could be a good move for all parties.
Mariano also finds himself in a similar boat as that of Vallejo and Odriozola. The striker is not favoured by the manager and has taken to the pitch for a total of just 25 minutes this term.
Even though Karim Benzema is the only natural striker at Ancelotti’s disposal, the Italian has preferred Rodrygo as the Frenchman’s backup ahead of Diaz, while Marco Asensio and Eden Hazard are options as well.
With Mariano’s contract expiring at the end of the season and Real Madrid having no intention of renewing his deal, the January window would represent their last chance to make some cash from his sale.
Ceballos, meanwhile, is also in the final year of his contract and there has been little indication that Real Madrid will offer him an extension. But the Spaniard still adds value to the team, as was seen against Valladolid earlier this week.
So, selling the midfielder in the winter might not be the most prudent move, especially with fixtures coming thick and fast and the likes of Luka Modric and Aurelien Tchouameni returning after strenuous World Cup runs.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
